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ECBC Harpoon Daypack carries gear in a compact package

The slim Harpoon Daypack from ECBC carries your gear in a compact, easily portable package. The black version with red accent stitching I tested includes water-resistant YKK zippers with rubber coated metal pull tabs. The durable 840D HD nylon construction and its seams are finished well, and no stray threads appeared during use. The Harpoon also comes in grey.

The back panel on the backpack strap side includes medium filled protective material, and the inside is divided into pockets for your devices. The Harpoon Daypack includes a laptop pocket with a small overflap suitable for any sized MacBook. In front of the laptop sleeve lies a pocket with a velcro closure for an iPad or other tablet.

ECBC Harpoon Daypack carries gear in a compact package

Another zippered net pocket above the tablet sleeve holds cables, chargers, or any other small miscellaneous items.

A three-quarter outer zipper compartment also includes a zipper net pocket with a plastic carabiner clip for keys. There are also two Velcro closure compartments and a variety of slip pockets for pens, notebooks or other items. The inside is a silver rip-stop nylon, also with red accent stitching. At the top of the compartment is another zippered closure that runs the length of the compartment.

ECBC Harpoon Daypack carries gear in a compact package

The Harpoon's nicely padded adjustable shoulder straps are attached to the pack a little too close to each other, but are wider than I've seen on other backpacks. I found, even on my small back, that they chafed slightly under my arms. However, the pack sits securely on the top of my back, so it made carrying a full load comfortable and it didn't drag on my lower back. I don't usually recommend a pack without a waist strap, but didn't miss it on this daypack.

ECBC Harpoon Daypack carries gear in a compact package

The top of the pack sports another small padded zippered pocket with a fleece lining, suitable for a phone or other item that needs scratch protection. A handle for a quick bag grab sits behind that pocket and above the backpack straps.

Two water bottle zippered pockets grace the lower sides of the pack. The elastic pockets expand nicely and are so deep that a 20oz bottle sits inside securely. I appreciate that my water bottles didn't fall out and roll away every time I picked up and put down the pack.

All in all the build quality and design of the Harpoon Daypack (model B7101) is impressive and its US$99 price matches other packs of similar size. I doubt this pack is suitable for a six-foot man, but is perfect for my five-foot plus frame, except where noted above. My only complaint is that the bottom of bag is soft, even though the base is 1680D HD nylon, it includes no flat surface upon which it can stand. That means when you put it down, it immediately falls over and gets dirty. I expect that the Harpoon Daypack will last a long time and withstand most abuse that we make our packs suffer through.

Specifications

  • External dimensions: 18.5″ x 12.1″ x 6.2″ (47cm x 30.7cm x 15.7cm)

  • 840D HD nylon body with water repellent coating

  • 1680D HD nylon base

  • Air mesh back panel for comfort

  • Fits 17" laptop

  • Weight not specified